# INEC Adjusts 2027 Candidate List: Adebutu Excluded as Pantami Gains Clearance

- Link: https://viralbrief.top/inec-adjusts-2027-candidate-list-adebutu-excluded-as-pantami-gains-clearance/
- Published: 2026-10-30T00:23:43+00:00
- Author: Olamide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded its review of
petitions concerning the exclusion of candidates from the 2027 electoral list, resulting
in a mixed outcome for several high-profile political figures. According to reports
from the Daily Post, the commission reviewed 69 petitions during a meeting held 
on Thursday, ultimately granting relief to approximately 36 candidates.

## The Status of Ladi Adebutu

Ladi Adebutu, the governorship hopeful for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in
Ogun State, saw his petition dismissed by the commission. Despite his arguments 
that he had fulfilled all necessary membership registration requirements and maintained
bona fide status within the PDP, INEC officials confirmed that his name would not
be restored to the official list of candidates. This decision marks a significant
setback for the PDP’s electoral ambitions in the state.

## Pantami and Gwarzo: Conditional and Direct Clearances

In contrast to the outcome for Adebutu, former Minister of Communications and Digital
Economy Isa Ali Pantami was cleared to participate in the upcoming elections. The
commission’s decision regarding Pantami follows ongoing legal proceedings, with 
a court hearing scheduled for Friday.

Similarly, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the governorship candidate for the Nigeria Democratic
Congress (NDC) in Kano State, received conditional clearance. His inclusion remains
subject to the final determination of litigation. Gwarzo, alongside his running 
mate Rabiu Mustapha, filed a suit on October 20, 2026, challenging their initial
exclusion and requesting that the court compel INEC to recognize their candidacy.

## Legal Framework and Membership Requirements

The commission’s actions are rooted in the enforcement of Section 77(5)–(7) of the
Electoral Act 2026. This provision requires political parties to submit formal membership
registers to the electoral body. The legal standing of this requirement was bolstered
by a Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, which affirmed the 
constitutionality of the provision.

While the commission has processed these initial petitions, the legal landscape 
remains fluid for several candidates. INEC has not provided further details on the
specific reasons for the rejection of the remaining petitions, but the reliance 
on the Electoral Act 2026 suggests that strict adherence to membership documentation
remains a primary hurdle for political parties and their candidates.

## Conclusion

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the resolution of these petitions highlights
the critical importance of administrative compliance with the Electoral Act. With
the Supreme Court having solidified the requirements for membership registers, candidates
and parties must navigate these regulatory frameworks carefully to ensure their 
eligibility. The outcomes for candidates like Adebutu, Pantami, and Gwarzo underscore
the significant role that both institutional oversight and judicial intervention
play in shaping the final electoral ballot.

<

p class=”vbna-source-note”>**Source:** [Daily Post Nigeria](https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/29/2027-ogun-guber-inec-throws-out-adebutus-petition-as-pantami-kano-ndc-candidate-make-list/)

  TL;DR (AI Generated)

INEC reviewed 69 petitions regarding the 2027 candidate list, dismissing Ladi Adebutu
while granting clearances to Isa Ali Pantami and Abdulsalam Gwarzo.

The decisions are based on strict enforcement of membership register requirements
mandated by the Electoral Act 2026 and a recent Supreme Court judgment.

This process highlights the critical role of administrative compliance and judicial
intervention in determining candidate eligibility for the upcoming elections.

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